Mac + Windows

How to copy and paste between Mac and Windows

By Intelligentia Studios, the maker of MyClippy · Published 28 September 2026

Mac and Windows have no shared clipboard: Universal Clipboard only works between Apple devices, and Windows clipboard sync uses a Microsoft account on Windows. To copy on one computer and paste on the other, use a cross-platform app. MyClippy syncs text and links between a Mac and a Windows PC on the same private Wi-Fi, with or without an Android phone.

Why there’s no built-in option

Apple’s Universal Clipboard requires Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account. Windows clipboard history can sync “across devices” when you sign in with the same Microsoft or work account; Microsoft documents it for Windows and, through SwiftKey, Android. Neither includes the other company’s computers.

Options for Mac and Windows

Mac and Windows clipboard options compared
Option	How it works	Connection	Cost
MyClippy	New copies sync automatically in both directions	Same private Wi-Fi	Free pilot
KDE Connect	Clipboard sharing between paired devices; runs on Windows and macOS	Same network	Free, open source
LocalSend	Choose text or files and send them each time	Local Wi-Fi	Free, open source
Cloud notes or email	Paste into a note on one computer, open it on the other	Internet	Varies

KDE Connect and LocalSend details come from their documentation as of 28 September 2026; we tested only MyClippy.

Set up MyClippy on a Mac and a Windows PC

On the Mac (Apple silicon, macOS 13 or later), install the DMG from Downloads and open MyClippy from Applications. Allow local-network access and incoming connections if macOS asks.
On Windows 10 or 11 (x64), extract the installer ZIP from Downloads, run setup, and allow MyClippy on Private networks when Windows Firewall asks.
Keep both computers on the same private network. Each app hosts and discovers automatically, and the two agree on one host without any code or address.
Copy harmless text on the Mac and press Ctrl+V on the PC. Then copy on the PC and press ⌘V on the Mac.

What we tested

In our 24 September 2026 three-device test, copies from a Windows laptop reached an Apple M1 Pro Mac and copies from the Mac reached the laptop, including Unicode and multiline text and repeated A → B → A copies. Near-simultaneous copies on both computers settled on the same final text everywhere. Full results.

Keep automatic date and time on both computers. In the same test, transfers failed until the Windows clock was synchronized.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use MyClippy with just a Mac and a Windows PC?

Yes. A phone is optional; the Mac and Windows apps find each other on the same private Wi-Fi and sync text and links in both directions.

Can I copy files or images between Mac and Windows with MyClippy?

No. The current pilot syncs text and links only. For files, use a transfer tool such as LocalSend.

Do both computers need to stay on?

Both MyClippy apps need to be running to sync with each other. Closing the window keeps MyClippy running in the Mac menu bar or Windows tray; Quit stops it.

Sources and current requirements

Product capabilities and platform requirements can change. This page describes a local pilot, not a guarantee of compatibility with every phone or source app. Spotted something out of date? Email intelligentiastudios@gmail.com.